Table of contents for 2024-10-30 in Post

NEW DELHI: Men with type 2 diabetes can be reassured that taking the drug, metformin, may not increase the risk of birth defects in their baby, according to a study. The findings, based on more than three million pregnancies and published by The BMJ, showed that metformin could continue to be considered a suitable drug for managing blood sugar levels in men planning to have children. A recent Danish study reported a link between metformin use by fathers-to-be and an increased risk of congenital malformations in male infants. Researchers from Taiwan and Norway set out to evaluate the link between the two. They used national birth registries and prescription databases, and identified 619 389 babies with paternal data during the period of sperm development (three months before pregnancy) in Norway…

Namaste, Vanikam, Greetings. Let me take this opportunity to wish the residents of eThekwini Municipality a Happy Diwali. This festival holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people worldwide, especially in eThekwini as it symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It also reminds us of the importance of hope and positivity in our lives, encouraging us to overcome challenges and embrace the light within us. Diwali in eThekwini Municipality is a vibrant celebration that reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage. As we light diyas and decorate homes with vibrant rangoli, an atmosphere filled with warmth and joy is created. As the leadership of the city, we call upon the residents of eThekwini to use this special occasion to…

500g (1 packet) milk powder 155g (half a 290g tin) Nestle Dessert Cream 360g (3 cups) icing sugar 250ml (1 cup) fresh cream 100g (1/2 cup) butter ghee 2-3 tsp freshly-ground cardamom powder a few drops rose essence (optional) Place the milk powder and the dessert cream in a large bowl. Rub the dessert cream and milk powder between your fingertips to form a crumbly mixture. Let this rest for at least two hours, but ideally overnight. The longer the rest time, the better. Once the milk powder has rested, place it in a food processor and/or grinder. Grind it to a fine powder. Sift the ground milk powder mixture into another bowl. Set the stove to a medium heat. Place the icing sugar, fresh cream and ghee into a…

THERE has been mixed reaction to the Department of Home Affairs’ recent announcement that Muslim marriages (Nikah) are now officially recognised. Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced on Friday that they had issued the first South African marriage certificates officially recognising Muslim marriages. The first batch of 33 marriage certificates for Muslim marriages have been issued. “We have enabled our systems to retroactively recognise Muslim marriages. At a fee of R20, clients can request a reprint of their marriage certificate specifying that they wish to change the wording to reflect that it is a Muslim marriage.” REACTION Mufti Emraan Vawda, an advocate and executive member of the Jamiatul Ulama (Council of Muslim Theologians) in KwaZulu-Natal, said until recently, if a person had to register their Nikah with the…

The warning signs of a stroke are sudden and knowing how to recognise the signs is an important first step in getting the affected person treatment. An important acronym for stroke symptoms to remember is FAST: Face: Is one side of the face droopy? Can the person smile or show their teeth? Arms: Is one side weak? Can the person raise both arms for 10 seconds without one arm leaning lower than the other? Speech: Is the person able to speak? Are the words slurred? Can they repeat a simple sentence? Time: “Minutes can save lives.” If even one of these signs is present, act quickly and call emergency services.…

If the reactions to the collapse of the Kolisi interracial marriage are anything to go by, then it does appear that South Africans remain obsessed with race. We saw this obsession with race in the USA during the 1990s when OJ Simpson stood trial for the murder of his estranged wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. The separation and divorce of celebrity couples around the world, not to mention interracial ones, attract public attention, scrutiny and speculations. In recent years, media outlets reported on the divorce of another interracial couple, former Bafana Bafana defender, Matthew Booth and his wife, Sonia. Just as South Africans are getting used to the interracial political marriage of the Government of National Unity (GNU), we received shocking news last week that the high-profile interracial marriage…

DEEPAVALI or Diwali is a time of joy, harmony and peace. It is a celebration of culture, unity and light, and also a triumph of good over evil. It is a time when we light the little clay lamps to brighten our homes and symbolically remove the darkness and ignorance from around and within us. During the time of Deepavali, we are not only reminded of the great saints of yore, many of whom through deep meditation received divine revealed knowledge and preserved them for our benefit in the Vedas, but we also respectfully acknowledge some of the great personalities, who have lead an extremely dedicated life and is a great inspiration to us all. One such person is Shri Ramachandra, the son of King Dasrath who, in India,…

"LOCAL musicians seeking payments from temples", the POST, October 23-27, refers. This article has left devotees concerned. This new trend has started a debate among temple devotees, social media and religious leaders. During the days of our forefathers, our temples have offered spiritual comfort to our community, bringing peace and unity. Most musicians have performed for free, viewing it as an honour to enhance the spiritual atmosphere and as a blessing from above. Now, the recent demand for payment from musicians has surprised many people. Since many temples already face financial challenges, this situation raises questions about the role of musicians at temples. Musicians asking for money from sacred institutions goes against the spirit of volunteerism that has defined temple culture for generations. This request challenges the tradition of serving…

CLASSICAL dance teachers are standing together to stop the commercialisation of arangetrams and have called on students to avoid the demands of a grandiose affair. Professor Suria Govender, director of the Surialanga Dance Company, said when she first started learning Bharatha Natyam in the 1970s, the arangetram was a simple event that celebrated the students' journey of dance as an art form. “Now, it has become commercialised. This would deter people from sending their children to learn Bharatha Natyam, as nowadays, we see arangetrams as fancy as grand weddings, with huge costs involved. “The essence of the students' journey and the art form is lost with grand affairs. As learned pioneers, we need to ensure that our students know the true meaning of their journey as a classical dancer and…

Please remember to leave the areas that you fish in a better condition than when you got there. Take a few moments to pick up some litter and take it to the nearest bin. Tight lines and screaming reels. The summer fishing is upon us! Although the weather is still a bit confused, the fish have started to fall into their summer feeding patterns. Plenty of fish for all. Whether you prefer the fast-paced predators or the strong pulling bottom fish, there is something for you! The North Coast has been the most productive section of coast. There have been plenty of fish coming out on the skis and boats. The fish have been around and the guys with the friskiest live baits have been the successful ones. Make getting…

SCIENTISTS have linked symptoms of depression during pregnancy to a specific brain activity, and hope to develop test for “baby blues” risk. Around 80% of women suffer from “baby blues” after the birth. Normally, this disappears in a few days. But around one woman in seven develops postpartum depression, which can affect how they bond with their babies. These women seem unable to regulate the negative emotions, which can follow giving birth. A group of European researchers have found that in healthy pregnant women, activity in a specific area deep in the brain is linked to the regulation of negative emotions, and the tendency towards symptoms of depression. “This is among the first trials to compare brain activity in pregnant and non-pregnant women,” said Franziska Weinmar from the University of…

250g (half a packet) gram flour 55g (¼ cup) butter ghee 60 ml (¼ cup) milk 190g (¾ cup, plus 2 tbs) butter ghee, for frying 125g (¼ packet) milk powder 120g (1 cup) icing sugar ¾ tsp freshly ground, cardamom powder Place the gram flour, the 55g butter ghee and milk in a large bowl. Massage all these together to form a slightly crumbly mix, not as fine as breadcrumbs. Do not worry if there are a few large clumps, as you want this for texture. Let this rest for about an hour. Melt the 190g butter ghee in a large pot on the stove. Reduce the temperature to a low/medium heat, and add the gram flour mixture. Let the gram flour slowly roast in the ghee. As it…

200g ginger biscuits 60g melted butter 1 tsp brown sugar Crush the biscuits into coarse crumbs. Add the sugar and melted butter, and mix. The butter will feel like it is not enough, but it will be fine. Line the base of a 20cm springform pan. Tip the mixture on to the base and flatten it. Place in the refrigerator to set. Cheesecake: 600g double cream yoghurt 100ml whipping cream 7 cardamom pods, toasted and gently crushed 450g cream cheese 150g white chocolate 45g icing sugar about 1kg round gulab jamun 250ml whipping cream, to decorate a few drops of rose essence Place a clean dishcloth in a bowl. Tip the yoghurt into the cloth and draw up the sides. Squeeze the yoghurt to remove any liquid. Heat the cream…

two Darnall children were bound and gagged, and then covered with a blanket with their baby sister, before robbers dragged their mother into the lounge where she was strangled with the cord of an iron. Ronell Nagiah, 30, a cleaner at Prince’s Grant Estate on the North Coast, was found dead by neighbours, who went to the children’s assistance after hearing their screams for help. Brendan Thomas, her brother-in-law, said Nagiah had returned home from work just after 3pm last Tuesday, when she was killed. She was with her 14-year-old daughter, 7-year-old son, and 2-month-old baby girl at the time. “Two men had walked on to the property and entered the house through an unlocked gate. There was an argument between Ronell and the two men. At this stage it…

IT IS WITH immense pride that after 29 years since the successful hosting of the World Hindu Conference in Durban, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), South Africa, will host the South African National Hindu Conference at the Kendra Hall in Greyville from November 9 to 10. This international gathering of Hindu leaders aim to chart the way forward for the further consolidation of Hindu society for the upliftment of mankind. The VHP-SA is offering 50 students the opportunity to attend the conference free of charge. In addition, three students will have the opportunity to have their tuition fees paid for next year. This will take place through a lucky draw at the conference. Students will need to have their registration card as proof of admission. The aim of the conference…

A GLENCOE mother finally has closure after DNA tests revealed that a body that was found earlier this year was that of her missing son. Afzal Khader, 28, a mechanic from Newcastle, went missing on March 4 this year, and less than a month later a body was found in a river near his home. Janet Khader said her son had lived with his paternal grandparents. “Afzal was an introvert. He loved working with cars and he spent most of his days at home. He left home on March 4 shortly after lunch and he did not return. This was odd behaviour.” She said when he did not return home, the local community police forum (CPF) was notified and a search began for him. “He was also reported missing to…

LAST Thursday, I completed another trip around the sun. Indeed, a time for deep introspection and recollections of things happy and sad, mundane or exciting. I must confess this year’s bornday was one of bonhomie and certainly a celebration of life. Yet my memory defaulted directly to the year 2021. We had just gotten out of the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic. I then had to face my own Apocalypse! At various times in my life, I had come perilously close to death. Whether it was by sowing my wild oats as a teenager, or taking risks as a kind of a reckless teenager, but the gamechanger occurred in 2021. Like most young men sowing their wild oats, I saw the “need for speed”. I love cars and still do. Just out…

HAVING suffered a stroke two weeks after celebrating her 41st birthday, Avashna Moodley remained determined and motivated to get back on her feet - especially for her children. Moodley, now 53, of Westville, said while holidaying with her family at an estate on the North Coast, on December 24, 2011, she woke up unable to speak. She later found out she had suffered a rare form of stroke, Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST), which is a blood clot in one of the brain's larger veins. “It was the first morning of our holiday. I woke up to go to the toilet at about 3am. I tried to get out of bed, but I had the sensation of ‘pins and needles’ on the right side of my body. I thought it…

“I DISAGREE with what you have to say, sir, but I will defend, to the death, your right to say it.” | French philosopher Voltaire is often thus quoted to describe the principle of freedom of speech. It was in its quest to uphold freedom of speech that Independent Media pulled out of the Press Council of South Africa because of the biased way in which the media tribunal handled the News24 complaint against an opinion piece by Edmond Phiri, an independent writer, commentator and political analyst. In a piece he penned for our sister newspaper, Sunday Independent, Phiri had compared legal journalist Karyn Maughan to a Nazi propagandist in her coverage of the legal disputes involving Sekunjalo, the newspaper’s parent company. Phiri’s piece prompted a co-ordinated media…

As we approach Diwali, a festival traditionally symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and unity over division, South Africans of Indian ancestry are called to reflect on the enduring social fault lines within our own community. Amidst the celebrations, we must confront an uncomfortable yet critical question: how far have we truly come in dismantling the historically ingrained divide between "North" and "South" Indians? The roots of this division run deep, shaped by divergent historical trajectories that continue to cast long shadows over our present-day interactions. Many South Indians, particularly Tamil and Telugu speakers, arrived in South Africa as indentured labourers under British colonial rule, enduring the indignities of systemic exploitation and poverty. In contrast, many North Indians, including Gujarati Hindus and Muslims, came as traders and merchants, a…

KING Charles III went to Samoa with Queen consort Camilla to open the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government of Meeting (CHOGM). En-route to Samoa, he stopped over in Australia. Being the first king to visit Australia, he received a right royal welcome by both the settlers and the aborigines. The Australians bore no grudge against the former colonial power for banishing their forefathers to the penal colony on the other side of the world for such petty crimes as even stealing a loaf of bread. Like the Indian cane cutters who came to Natal to toil in the sugar cane fields, they persevered and through sheer determination and hard work they overcame great obstacles and hardships in a distant, strange land and turned the penal colony into a prosperous first…

TODAY matric pupils will write IsiZulu paper 1 (language and comprehension) and business studies as they head into day eight of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam. Pupils at Merebank Secondary School said yesterday (Tuesday) that they were taking the exams in their stride. They wrote history paper 1 (three essays and three source-based questions) yesterday followed by engineering, graphics and design paper 1 (civil drawing, solid geometry, interpretation and development and perspective drawing). Seth Jacobs, 18, said the history paper was "nice and easy to understand". "There were a few questions that required your own knowledge but the rest were straight-forward," said Seth. He added that he was stressed about maths paper 1 on Friday (finance, calculus and algebra) and maths paper 2 on Monday (geometry, trigonometry, and…

THE eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that it will not be installing restrictors on residential meters as part of the water curtailment which started on October 10. “This exercise will be implemented gradually for the next 12 months to ensure that the abstraction from the uMngeni system is brought to the licenced volumes and is maintained at this level. “The curtailment is being implemented to enable continued water availability, including during periods of below-average rainfall. “This is while plans to augment water supply is underway,” said Gugu Sisilana, spokesperson for the municipality. She said the city was required to implement initiatives to manage and reduce the high levels of water demand to ensure that available water supply was shared equitably. “The priority is to target areas where there’s excessive demand.…

Namaskaram. Mee Andariki Deepavali Subhakankshalu During these trying times, when there is so much pain, suffering and darkness in the world, let us all take this auspicious period of Deepavali to pray for the triumph of good over evil. Let us reflect on those less fortunate than you and let generosity get the better of you. Remember giving is caring. Change can only happen if every individual cares, and make your contribution. We live in a country of great diversity. Embrace all South Africans as your family. Show them love and care. This kindness should start in our homes and extend into our communities. I wish you a peaceful and prosperous Deepavali. Remember to be responsible with fireworks around children and pets, and ensure you comply with lawful usage.…

DIWALI, the festival of lights, is a time of renewal, celebration, and positive energy. Each zodiac sign will experience a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. Here’s your horoscope for Diwali along with your lucky numbers and favourable professions to make the most of the season. Each zodiac sign has its unique path during this festive season, influenced by planetary movements and cosmic energies. With the right focus, you can align yourself with the auspicious vibes of this time. Aries (March 21 – April 19) Overview: Diwali brings dynamic energy for Aries, encouraging bold steps in your personal and professional life. You may experience a surge of creativity, making it an excellent time for new ventures. Lucky numbers: 3, 9 and 11. Favourable professions: Marketing, entrepreneurship, sports and defence.…

250g (2½ cups) desiccated coconut 125g (¼ packet) milk powder 198g (½) can condensed milk 220g (¾) can Nestle Dessert Cream 175g (¾ cup, plus two tbs) castor sugar 87ml (1/3 cup) water 60g (¼ cup) butter 1-2 tsp cardamom a few drops of rose essence a few drops liquid pink food colouring 150g white chocolate edible gold leaf and dried rosebuds/rose petals to decorate Mix the desiccated coconut, milk powder, condensed milk and dessert cream together. Heat the castor sugar, water and butter on medium heat. Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes. The syrup is done when a drop poured on to a plate can run down vertically, without dripping off. Pour the syrup into the coconut mixture and combine with a spoon, as the syrup is…

Saffron milk: ¾ tsp saffron threads 320ml full cream milk 1/8 tsp turmeric Toast the saffron threads on low heat until they begin to smell fragrant. Then crush them with the back of a spoon to release the flavours. Add in the milk and turmeric, and heat until the milk just begins to boil. Do not let it boil. Remove from the heat and keep in the refrigerator to infuse for at least 8 hours, but ideally overnight. Saffron milk sponge: 130g salted butter, at room temperature, plus 2 tbs for greasing the bundt pan 60ml sunflower oil 250g castor sugar zest of an orange 4 large eggs 2 tsp vanilla essence 250ml saffron milk (see above) 1½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ teaspoon turmeric…

A MOTHER described this week how armed robbers, who had shot and killed her son during an early morning home invasion, walked around his lifeless body looking for what they could steal. Paven Chetty, 36, of Padianagar Township, in Tugela, a father of three, was shot twice – in the back and neck. Speaking to the POST, Managi Chetty, said her son was robbed of his life for R150 and four cellphones. “They had no mercy for my child. After killing him, they walked around his lifeless body on the floor looking for what they could take.” Chetty, who lives in Durban, said on weekends she visited the home where her sons, Paven and Uven, and their families lived. “I sell breyani at a flea market on Fridays. I…

FOLLOWING allegations of misbehaviour and misconduct, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have distanced itself from party member Mervin Govender. Govender, the head of the Phoenix Tenants and Residents Association (PTRA), has been accused of collecting money from tenants and not disclosing how much the association had in its coffers. The PTRA is a non-profit organisation which has been lobbying for the rights of tenants living in privately-owned flats in Phoenix and surrounding areas. It has taken on property development companies which have been collecting money from tenants, but failed to maintain the properties. Khanyisani Khambule, EFF regional secretary, said they had received complaints from some residents about “so-called” EFF members who were led by Govender, who were collecting rent that was meant to be paid to the landlords. “The Phoenix…

WITH each trip I make around the sun, I find my hearing loss getting progressively worse. I blame it on age as well as genes – both my parents were aurally challenged as they got on in years. I don’t want a hearing aid because losing some of the ability to hear is actually saving me money. I often return from the supermarket without several items and can tell my wife with a straight face that I did not hear her ask for them. More seriously, however, I am not yet ready to blame all the difficulty of hearing I have in auditoriums on age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis. Incompetent sound engineers must share the blame. Actually referring to them as “engineers” is a misnomer – so many are…

DIWALI, the Hindu Festival of Lights, has its roots in ancient India. Beyond India, in the colonial era, indentured labourers celebrated Diwali in plantations such as Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, Surinam, Fiji, Malaysia and Natal in South Africa. Scriptural references for the origins of Diwali can be traced to the Mahabharat and Ramayan, among other religious texts. A common theme is the universal fight for justice and righteousness, and this has been highlighted by various scholars and leaders in different contexts across the international spectrum. According to Anant Rambachan, Professor of Religion at St. Olaf College, Minnesota: “The Ramayana begins with an account of unbridled greed, the violent exercise of power and oppression perpetuated by Ravana and those who served him… a central narrative of Diwali (is) the universal human…

THE policeman allegedly linked to the hijacking and murder of Zarah Ramsamy, 11, was issued with a suspension letter on October 24. Constable Minenhle Makhaye, 27, from the Cato Manor police station, will know the outcome of his bail application today (Wednesday), when magistrate Ashwin Singh is expected to hand down his ruling. During closing arguments on Monday, of the two-week bail application, Hawks detective and lead investigator in the case, Warrant Officer Sivan Naidoo, said more charges would be added against Makhaye. Naidoo told the court that police had issued Makhaye with a suspension letter on October 24, and that his disciplinary hearing would be held in Westville Prison should he be denied bail. Makhaye was arrested after investigators viewed CCTV footage of him purchasing alcohol worth R1…

NEW DELHI: Preparations are complete in Ayodhya for the grand Deepotsav celebration with a target of lighting 2.5 million diyas and set a world record. Diyas have been delivered to all 55 ghats along the sacred “Ram Ki Paidi”, and volunteers have started arranging them in intricate designs. Each ghat will see rows of diyas set up in a 16x16 grid, amounting to 256 diyas per block. Over 30 000 volunteers from Awadh University and its 36 affiliated colleges, as well as from local non-profit organisations, are actively engaged in this effort. Within two days, 2.8 million diyas will be set up on Ram Ki Paidi, with a target of lighting at least 2.5 million of them to set a world record. This Deepavali marks the first celebration with…

Once you have become familiar with the golf basics and are confident with hitting shots, the next step is to get the club fitted to suit the swing you have and body dynamics. Having club fitting is one of the most important choices you will make in your golfing career. Many golfers ignore this factor and sometimes just approach buying a set of Clubs from online research or just advice from friends with the most trendy golf equipment out. Yes we all want the latest in technology, but it needs to be the ideal golf set for you to make your golf all that easier to accomplish. What is club fitting? You will be booked in a slot time at the pro shop and an expert technician will see…